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‘Embo’ businesses advised to register in Taguig
Business establishments in the enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays, which were previously under the jurisdiction of Makati City, are now advised to register in Taguig......»»
2GO ready for holiday load
2GO, the Philippines’ largest transportation and logistics solutions provider and part of SM Investments Corporation, has strategically prepared major hubs outside Metro Manila to meet the rising holiday season demand for cargo and delivery movements. This strategic endeavor aligns with 2GO’s dedication to advancing local business and catalyzing industries while optimizing operational efficiency and service excellence for its clients. “As the country’s largest logistics service provider, we embrace the philosophy of readiness regardless of season. Anticipating the increase in logistics movement during this joyous time of year, we consistently invest in supply chain preparedness by establishing a foothold in our hubs and maintaining a capable workforce. We prioritize customer satisfaction and continue to deliver on our commitments to our customers and partners, ensuring success regardless of the season,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and CEO of 2GO. 2GO is dedicated to fortifying its network of strategic hubs across key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The company’s logistical product portfolio was made to serve a purpose to a diverse client base. In addition to the service portfolio is the LCL shipside services, a tailored service representing an expedited Less than Container-Load offering. This pioneering solution is operational in its Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro hubs. LCL services continue to be offered in 2GO’s network of 17 vital ports of call, which serve as pivotal gateways for both dry goods and temperature-controlled cargo. Its clientele includes top domestic and international FMCGs, manufacturers, distributors, industrials and agricultural businesses, covering a wide range of industries across the nation. With LCL, 2GO extends logistics support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs, ensuring that businesses of all sizes benefit from our comprehensive solutions. 2GO visited Clark and Subic in Central Luzon, Cebu City in Central Visayas and Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao, to strengthen main trade hubs across the country that serve as central points for consolidating and distributing goods. Building its presence in these strategic locations allows 2GO to move deliveries faster for industries, businesses and for personal deliveries. Faye Alonzo, business unit head for Express and Forwarding, shares that “2GO has embarked on a proactive initiative to collaborate with key stakeholders in important logistical regions across the Philippines. Reinforcing our presence in major gateways not only provides us with efficient forwarding and cargo services but helps our partners and clients increase market reach, find more opportunities, and bridge logistical requirements.” 2GO’s comprehensive logistics services include transport via cargo forwarding via air, land and sea to key strategic hubs nationwide to ensure efficient service coverage. Actively serving over 33,000 barangays, 2GO offers logistics solutions to a wide range of businesses and communities throughout the country. The post 2GO ready for holiday load appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Kuha sa Tingi’ aims to combat plastic pollution
Quezon City government announced over the weekend that it has partnered with Greenpeace Philippines to tackle the urgent plastic pollution crisis and enhance existing city ordinances regulating the use of single-use plastics. Co-developed with community stakeholders and the city government, Kuha sa Tingi seeks to provide accessible and affordable alternatives to sachets and plastic-packaged goods. The project aims to empower communities to access goods without contributing to plastic pollution by promoting reuse and refill systems. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte believes this is a critical initiative, stating, "Kuha sa Tingi is a testament that being sustainable and eco-friendly can be affordable and inclusive, especially for those who belong to the marginalized sector. "With this initiative, we were able to lessen the usage of products in sachets, and at the same time prevent these from ending up in our waterways when not properly disposed of,” she said. The program started on 10 July 2023 with 30 participating pilot stores. Throughout the 8-week program, sari-sari stores were able to gain a total of P143,286 in sales, an average of 4,776 per store, and consumers were able to save P143 per week. They were able to divert 47,601 sachets or a total of 1,428,030 mL of plastics in volume. Given the magnitude of this issue and the surge in plastic production in recent years, Greenpeace believes it is imperative to implement effective and impactful solutions to reduce production and dependence on single-use plastic. The project does so by developing a sustainable business model anchored on concepts of reuse and refill as well as providing consumers with an array of zero-waste alternatives that are simple, affordable, and readily accessible for their daily needs. “Extending across multiple barangays and various types of enterprises in Quezon City, Kuha sa Tingi is a testament to the broad range of positive impacts of reuse and refill systems. This proves the viability, affordability, and accessibility of reuse and refill systems as alternatives to sachets, offering a tangible solution to diminish plastic pollution within our communities. The results of Kuha sa Tingi show that companies can adopt reuse and refill, and they should do so immediately,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner at Greenpeace Philippines. Cities, communities, and local enterprises are currently at the forefront of pioneering solutions to combat plastic pollution through the advancement of business models centered around the reuse and refill systems. Under the Global Plastics Treaty, governments are mandated to support these existing efforts and future development by establishing global standards and mechanisms to enable refill and reuse to be supported, replicated, and scaled across countries and regions. “Major contributors to plastic pollution, such as plastic-dependent corporations and fossil fuel companies that are reaping benefits from the proliferation of plastic products, should be held accountable to reduce plastic production and phase out single-use plastics. Companies must be obligated to adapt and integrate the reuse and refill systems into their business models. This shift is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of their operations,” said Ledesma. "The program empowers our community to do their part in protecting our environment. This will serve as an inspiration to other sari-sari store owners, barangays, and even companies to reduce their plastic waste and switch to reusable and sustainable options," Mayor Belmonte added. Greenpeace is calling on governments to engage in reuse and refill initiatives like Kuha sa Tingi, and urging them to strengthen public policies that regulate the production and use of single-use plastics. The post ‘Kuha sa Tingi’ aims to combat plastic pollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1)
On 22 September 2023, in a freak and unfortunate accident, the country lost a man who spent much of his life in dedicated public service. Bayani Fernando, a popular, beloved three-term mayor, a two-term Congressman of Marikina, a few months Secretary of Public Works, and an eight-year Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, passed away at age 77, creating a vacuum in the kind of leadership exercised by, unfortunately, a few public servants. In a toxic atmosphere of politics, his entry into public service was a refreshing gust of wind. Putting aside his business interests (he founded the BF Group of Companies, engaged in construction, steel, manufacturing, and real estate), he plunged head-on to an unfamiliar terrain. He lost in his first try and emerged victorious in his second. Thereafter, he carved a name for himself as a strict, disciplinarian and creative Mayor of Marikina for three consecutive terms. He has become a legend in local administration. He transformed Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model city of cleanliness and orderliness, receiving citation after citation in different fields of endeavor. As Mayor, he launched a crusade against all forms of transgressions of law. He stopped illegal vending and destroyed the confiscated food and merchandise to show he meant business. He instilled discipline among the employees. He made the dirty and odorous public toilets in City Hall look and smell like hotel restrooms. He re-settled the informal settlers, not by transferring them to other cities but by providing them with lands and shelter inside the city. Bayan as he is called by his pretty and equally dedicated public servant wife, Marides Carlos- Fernando, dredged the Marikina River of filth and garbage, developed the banks into flood control outlets, and converted both sides of the river as a park. He commenced massive repairs and cementing of roads. He built an efficient drainage system and created sidewalks all over Marikina. He established health centers in the barangays. He enforced the law on everyone, exempting no one. He removed illegally parked vehicles and enforced traffic rules strictly. He made the public market clean and stalls orderly and sectionalized. Garbage was regularly collected. Public service became efficient and prompt. Employees were courteous and sported smiles as they rendered service to Marikeños. Under his watch, the economy of Marikina grew. His other half, a UP product, from whom he derived his inspiration to serve faithfully Marikina, continued the caring Fernando kind of governance. He brought his creative and authoritative leadership as Chairman of the Metropolitan Development Authority to Metro Manila. He brought back the sidewalks to the pedestrians, which were invaded by vendors selling their wares. He forcibly evicted squatters along the railroad tracks, esteros, and those living under the bridge. He made innovative projects that dramatically lessened the chaos that used to vex Metro Manilas. He improved on the nightmarish traffic congestion. He introduced the U-turn slots and constructed food bridges that made crossing the streets convenient and safe. He was a hands-on government worker, ensuring the projects he initiated ran smoothly, and those implementing them were on their toes. He didn’t back down from pressures and resistance coming from powerful politicians and businessmen. He didn’t leave anything to chance or rely on the people he tasked to do a particular job. He had to be there inspecting, correcting, and innovating on anything he put his mind to. Tragically, this admirable character trait brought him to his demise. (To be continued) The post Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati subway facing delays due to SC ruling
The Makati City subway project, the first underground railway project undertaken by a local government unit, is facing another headwind after its alignment was adversely affected by the tug-of-war between the cities of Makati and Taguig over territorial disputes. In a stock report on Wednesday, private proponent Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc. disclosed that the project alignment is no longer viable as the depot and a few stations, which were supposed to traverse through Makati City properties, were found to be within the jurisdiction of Taguig City instead as ruled by the Supreme Court or SC. "Under the Joint Venture Agreement executed between the Makati City Government and the Company, the depot and a few stations of the Makati City subway system will be in the affected areas. Also, the alignment of the subway will no longer be feasible," the company informed the stock exchange. Particularly, the SC decision affected the Makati City subway project's depot in Cembo as well as the planned stations in the University of Makati in West Rembo, and Ospital ng Makati in Pembo. Thus, Infradev said it has reached out to the Makati City government, through an Intent Notice, to discuss the next course of action that they should take following the SC order. In April 2022, the SC Third Division ruled with finality that the disputed areas, Bonifacio Global City and nearby Enlisted Men’s Barrio or EMBO barangays, were under Taguig City's jurisdictions. However, before Taguig City’s courts assume pending litigations over the said areas, which used to be part of Makati, it first needs to secure a writ of execution. A writ of execution is a legal order issued by a court that qualifies the enforcement of a judgment or court decision. In 2019, the Makati City Government signed the Joint Venture Agreement with Infradev and its partner after the company hurdled the competitive Swiss Challenge and obtained approval for the construction, operation, and management of the intra-city subway. Under the joint venture, Makati would only contribute land it currently owns for the project. The subway aims to connect key points in Makati like the current Central Business District at the corner of Ayala and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Circuit City, Makati City Hall, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati and other new growth areas within the city. The subway is planned to have up to 10 air-conditioned, underground island stations whose entrances will be linked to destinations across the city. The project can accommodate up to six-car trains, with room for over 200 persons per car, with more than 700,000 passengers per day to be accommodated and served by the proposed mass transport system. The post Makati subway facing delays due to SC ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tale of two cities (2)
Mayor Eric Olivarez of Parañaque City wants his city to be the first to have an eGovSuper App that would expedite and facilitate the registration of business establishments, enhance transparency, and prevent corruption. The young local chief executive, a doctor of education and registered nurse, is blazing the trail in local fiscal administration by making moves preparatory to the adoption of Commission on Audit’s digital transformation in the review of government financial transactions, being introduced by its Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba. Parañaque City is just settling down from its mood of celebration for many good reasons, after being accorded by the Commission on Audit the unqualified opinion (indicative of the absence of any material misstatements), on the fairness of presentation of its financial statements for the calendar year ending 31 December 2022; after obtaining the unprecedented increase of P10 billion in its asset and equity after 12 months of Dr. Eric’s administration, with the overwhelming optimism of another P10 bIllion increase expected by 31 December 2023. The city is deserving of three awards of recognition: (1) Most Ready to Adopt CoA’s digital accounting and auditing; (2) Best City Accountant, Ms. Marilou Tanael, for her dedication and hard work in cleansing the accounts, eliminating and reconciling discrepancies, thereby clinching the P10-billion increase in asset and equity; and for enabling all the Punong Barangays of the City to prepare and submit promptly their annual audit reports; (3) Best City Auditor, State Auditor V. Robert Limcolioc, for helping the city recover from utter bankruptcy to its present financial resurgence. Auditor Limcolioc has been most outstanding as a representative of the Commission on Audit guiding the management of Parañaque City. The kind words heard from the department heads of the city about the resident auditor was: “He easily sees the problems and he shows us how to solve them.” The overall performance of the Olivarez leadership in managing the accounts and financial operation of the City of Parañaque is in totality a gift to behold, an accomplishment to marvel at, and one marked by humility worthy of emulation. It took 10 years for the Olivarez leadership — from Edwin to the incumbent Eric — to normalize the finances of the city from the agony of paying the huge bank loan, a burden shouldered by the people of Parañaque for many years, the negative entries involving assets and liabilities were daily ugly sights in the books of accounts until cleared with the help of CoA. The activities initiated by Dr. Eric in Parañaque City relating to digitalization are forerunners of digital accounting and auditing approaches that will be forthcoming in the Philippine financial system, pursuant to the recent advocacy of CoA Chief Cordoba. With his experience and expertise in digital technology and communication, Cordoba hopes to usher the Commission on Audit to new heights through the digital transformation of accounting and auditing. The online/no-contact transaction in granting business permits is an activity typical of the eGovSuper App, a mobile application that can provide multiple services, including payment and financial processing, effectively becoming an all-accomplishing self-contained commerce and communication online platform that embraces many aspects of personal and commercial life. In his eagerness to enhance transparency and prevent corruption, Mayor Olivarez coordinated with Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The mayor informed the undersecretary of his full support in adopting the e-GovSuper App one-stop platform that will expedite the processing of local government transactions. Meanwhile, it would be wise to keep on repeating, without becoming redundant, especially on a matter that is alien to many Filipino bureaucrats, that the major thrust of CoA Chair Cordoba includes the development of an easy-to-implement and technologically driven government accounting system compliant with international standards to ensure that all revenues and expenditures are recorded accurately and in real-time and enhancing audit guidelines for e-reports to cover contracts entered into via social media platforms. The post Tale of two cities (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gaisanos’ MRSGI bares retail thrust
As part of its business expansion, the Gaisano-led Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., or MRSGI, officially launched its first small-format store in General Trias, Cavite on Tuesday. “We are very pleased to have a new Metro store at this location which will provide quick and convenient shopping to the residents and visitors of General Trias, and the rest of Cavite province,” Manuel Alberto, the president and chief operating officer of MRSGI, said. “As a highly industrialized and growing province, we are excited to be a part of the Cavite businesses and retail options, and we hope that the addition of the Metro Valuemart will contribute to a more vibrant and thriving local economy,” he added. Closer to home According to MRSGI, the new Metro Value Mart store responds to the consumers’ evolving preference to shop closer to home for their basic daily needs. With ample parking and easy public transport access for the residents in the 15 barangays near Lancaster New City, the new store has a 1000-square meter shopping space. It offers an array of international and local goods, general merchandise, home care, health and beauty, and fresh and frozen products. The new store is the third Metro store in the province of Cavite, and the 62nd store nationwide for the giant retailer. The post Gaisanos’ MRSGI bares retail thrust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
City Government of Cebu Rolls Out Free Hi-Speed Wi-Fi to Barangays, in Partnership with PLDT Enterprise
A first-class city in the Visayas, Cebu City envisions to develop into a smart city, much like the city-state of Singapore. To this end, the local government unit (LGU) of Cebu City has forged a partnership with PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading integrated telecommunications and digital services provider in the […].....»»
Territorial issues
Imagine a world where the 16 cities and the single remaining municipality of Metro Manila are under one unified control, under a single governor, and government administrative services are shared. Imagine having zero territorial disputes between and among cities, and there would be little or no need for expansion via reclamation. Imagine public schools and hospitals being shared by all inhabitants of Metro Manila, regardless of which area or jurisdiction you reside in. This was the situation decades ago, but it seems certain that we will never go back to this, unless a nuclear bomb is dropped on Manila and resets everything back to zero. Right now, we have two public issues affecting land in Metro Manila — one pertains to the creation of new land, and the other is a dispute over a large tract of land involving two big business districts. With the way things are going, it is becoming apparent that the national government must step in and intervene in these issues. Last weekend, my family stayed in the renowned Sofitel in Pasay City, and what was once a pristine and relaxing view of Manila Bay had turned into a dusty wasteland of a reclamation site. Good thing the President ordered the stoppage of reclamation activities just days before, otherwise we would have been inhaling dust particles while my kids were enjoying the swimming pool. Prior to this visit, I attended a wedding in the same area back in October and you could still appreciate the vast sea. Now, we saw trucks and vans in the reclaimed area, which is almost ready for the laying of a road network and, later, buildings. Reclamations done in the sea — a natural resource — face legal issues that may be threshed out in court. But with the speed the reclamations are being done, not just in Metro Manila but in the entire country, using Chinese construction companies adept at doing this, i.e., the artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea in a few months, new parcels of land will soon be ready for sale at premium prices. The increase in land area guarantees revenue for the city it shall be adjacent to. Case in point: the reclaimed area where the SM Mall of Asia and Pagcor City are situated are guaranteed income earners for the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, respectively. Due to the lack of space in Metro Manila, cities resort to reclamation to build new revenue streams. In the case of Makati and Taguig, we have a territorial dispute brought about by a Supreme Court decision. The “Embo” (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) portion of Makati was declared a part of Taguig because of what I understand was an appeal gone awry. Since the appeal of Makati to the Supreme Court caused the latter to open the facts for review, the disputed portion was suddenly found to be part of Taguig. Now that schools are about to open, the question is whether these “Embo” schools and their teachers should be part of Taguig. The ‘“embo” barangays comprise over 200,000 inhabitants, many of whom will become instant voters of Taguig. Although these are residential areas, they stand to benefit from the vibrant business community of BGC, and no longer would they be divided by Kalayaan Avenue. One may argue that they may actually be an expense for Taguig since these are not commercial areas, but the vote-rich barangays make it a political prize for whichever city or district they will land. Alas, we are left to imagine what if Metro Manila was a single mega-city. It may never happen again, unless we turn government around and revise the Constitution. Then again, who knows what the next president may bring to our colorful government? For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Territorial issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
University of Makati president: School still owned by Makati
The LGU-run University of Makati is not directly affected by the recent Supreme Court decision on the territorial dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig as regards the operations of the school, a top official of the school said on Thursday. "We're not really affected directly. Of course, we have to comply with the Supreme Court decision because now, we have to accept the fact that we are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City," UMak president Elyxzur C. Ramos told Daily Tribune in an interview. "It's business as usual at UMak but, of course, because we are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig, we have to get the necessary clearances and permits from them," Ramos added. Ramos also made it clear that the university is still owned by the city government of Makati and Taguig City has "no control" on how they operate the school as far as ownership is concerned. "The city respects the Supreme Court decision and we fully understand that the affected barangays are now part of the jurisdiction of Taguig City. But, as I always emphasize, jurisdiction is so different from ownership," Ramos stressed. "Its address now is JP Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Taguig City. It's still being run by the city government of Makati City because the land title where University of Makati stands is under the name of the city government of Makati," he said. The SC ruling doesn't states that Taguig is the owner of the land where the university stands, but is just a part of its territory, added Ramos. He gave the assurance that the university will continue to deliver the same kind of quality service to all its students. "But because of this decision of the Supreme Court, the school now is in a unique situation because it turns out that most of our students now are non-Makati residents. Most of our students are residents of the affected barangays," Ramos said. "For now, we are still accepting them. We are still providing them the scholarships for this academic year but they are now categorized as non-Makati residents," he added. According to him, 60 percent or about 6,000 of the students from UMak are from the affected barangays now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City. The post University of Makati president: School still owned by Makati appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security
Asia is the world's largest rice consumer, accounting for 90 percent of global rice consumption. According to a business website that made use of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is among the top 20 countries with the highest rice consumption per capita. Data shows that the country's almost 113 million population consumes around 16.50 million metric tons of rice every year. The affordability and availability of rice have been cited as the primary reasons for Filipinos' penchant for eating rice. Thus, the proliferation of restaurants in the country serving "unlimited rice" has always been a fool-proof marketing strategy to entice customers. India's announcement in July that it would restrict the export of non-basmati rice has jolted not just the country but the global rice market. India is the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 percent of the global rice trade. It is on this note that I am calling for stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, India's decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with flooded rice fields as a result of recent calamities. But we cannot blame India for its decision to prioritize its domestic market. We have to be prepared as this could trigger a rice crisis affecting millions of Filipinos who consider rice a staple food. It is high time that we provide our local farmers with much-needed support to boost domestic rice production by offering them drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates. Our government must focus on short-term remedies such as exploring alternative sources like Vietnam and Thailand. But more importantly, we must implement long-term interventions that will lead to sustainable rice production. I have always been an advocate of sustainability and self-sufficiency to achieve food security which is a top priority of the current administration. Meanwhile, I have remained committed to visiting various parts of the country, not only to provide assistance but also to address the concerns of our people. On 5 August, we attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the two-storey Malasakit Center Building at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. We aided 647 patients and 2,535 medical frontliners including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Meanwhile, qualified beneficiaries were given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Joining us were CRMC Chief of the Hospital, Dr. Ishmael Dimaren, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Matnog Mayor Zohria Bansel-Guro, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, and Vice Mayor Shameem Mastura. We also participated in the inauguration of the new Super Health Center (SHC) in the town of Libungan, where we assisted 1,000 indigent beneficiaries together with Vice Governor Efren Piñol, former vice governor Shirlyn Macasarte, Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido. At the invitation of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan, we attended the town's Inter-Barangay Basketball Championship as part of its 62nd Founding Anniversary and 8th Katambolit Festival. We then headed to Midsayap to attend the groundbreaking of the SHC and assist 1,000 struggling residents together with Rep. Samantha Santos, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, and Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr. On 4 August, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC to be built in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. We visited the construction and renovation of the public market funded through our efforts. We also distributed assistance to 1,000 indigents in the area accompanied by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Vice Governor Jayvee Uy, and Board Member Herv Apsay, among others. On 3 August, we were in Batangas to witness the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Center (New Provincial Hospital) in the municipality of Tuy. We also led the distribution of aid to 1,700 residents, with the support of Governor Dodo Mandanas. We were joined by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Congressmen Eric Buhain and Ray Reyes, Tuy Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado, San Luis Mayor Oscar Lito Hernandez, Vice Mayor Maan de Gracia, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, and other local officials. We then went to Davao City to attend the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League-Occidental Mindoro. On 2 August, we visited Caloocan City and witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC, along with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Congressman Oca Malapitan, Mayor Along Malapitan, and Vice Mayor Karina Teh. We distributed aid to 980 impoverished residents in collaboration with the offices of Cong. Cajayon-Uy, Councilor Ed Aruelo, and Councilor Wewel De Leon. For those affected by Typhoon Egay, we distributed food packs and assisted 5,000 beneficiaries in Minalin, Arayat, and various towns in Pampanga; 500 in Bauang, La Union; 700 in Calumpit, and 1,700 residents from Hagonoy, Guiguinto, and San Miguel in Bulacan; 900 in Dagupan City, San Fabian, and Calasiao in Pangasinan; 200 in Binangonan, Rizal; and 200 in San Antonio, Zambales. We also assisted 89 fire victims in various barangays in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided help to 1,200 impoverished residents of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 1,049 in San Pedro City, Laguna; 800 in Tabaco City, Albay; and 67 more in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. We also helped people in Bulacan, including 66 in Santa Maria, 66 in Paombong, 66 in Baliwag, 66 in Bustos, 66 in Obando, and 66 in Norzagaray. In Batangas, we also assisted 500 beneficiaries from Calaca, 400 in Tanauan City, and 57 more in Batangas City. The post Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PLDT, SMART fastest Internet provider, most valuable Filipino brand
PLDT and SMART continue to receive recognition from various international consulting organizations for their technical prowess and stable financial strength, affirming their dominance as the leading telco in the country. Last month, Global benchmarking company Ookla® announced that PLDT had dominated the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™, achieving a top speed score of 86.52 in 2022, affirming the telco’s dominance and consistent performance in delivering the country’s fastest Internet speeds for the fifth consecutive year. This was the result of PLDT’s aggressive network expansion and drive to lift the quality of customer experience. The PLDT Group has been supporting the country’s digitalization by bringing the benefits of connectivity and other digital services to more areas in the Philippines. In 2022, PLDT recorded a total of 6.08 million fiber-powered ports, covering around 17,700 barangays across the country. PLDT president and CEO Al Panlilio said PLDT is committed to helping build and empower the nation by setting the bar high in providing world-class digital services to Filipinos PLDT delivers a fiber-optic speed of up to 10 Gbps, which was made available to the public as early as 2021. This move has placed the Philippines alongside first-world nations in terms of ultra-fast Internet speeds, including South Korea, Japan, Norway, Italy, New Zealand, and the USA. As of end-2022, PLDT had added 1.1 million new fiber subscribers, capturing 59 percent of fiber customer industry growth for 2022. This brought PLDT Home’s total fiber subscribers to 2.9 million. This week, a London-based business valuation and strategy consulting firm, Brand Finance, feted PLDT with the distinction of the Most Valuable Filipino Brand for 2023. Like famous global brands, PLDT’s proactive efforts at creating brand loyalty, awareness, associations, and maintaining the international standards of its products and services among its stakeholders have paid off. The recognition is a testament that over the years, PLDT has made itself a household name as one of the most trusted and credible telco companies in the country. Since its inception, it has unceasingly worked to help the nation’s push for digitalization by providing vital connectivity to help transform the Philippines into a globally competitive and digitally-empowered country. Brand Finance adopted a structured methodology in giving the distinction to PLDT. In valuing the brand, it meticulously reviewed every brand’s revenue and earnings before interest and taxes and arrived at the decision that PLDT led other brands surveyed. As one of the main drivers of its improved year-on-year revenue, PLDT Group’s investments in fiber technology was a key factor in its garnering the prestigious award from Brand Finance, with a total fiber footprint of over 1.1 million kilometers as of end-March 2023. With a 2 percent annual increase in brand value to US$2.6 billion, the performance of the country’s largest integrated telco contributed to the brand capturing a higher market share of the fiber industry, which led to a 45 percent improvement in year-on-year revenue. The Brand Finance report cited PLDT’s consistent focus on innovation as a driver to improve customer service and propel the nation toward becoming a financial and technology hub. Besides investing in fiber technology, Brand Finance also lauded PLDT’s deployment of carbon fiber cell towers, an environmental initiative that seeks to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced by up to 70 percent, as compared to using traditional steel towers. Carbon fiber towers also take up less land space, reducing the need for land repurposing. “PLDT is a socially responsible corporation that seriously cares for our environment by deploying the country’s first carbon fiber cell towers, as well as solar panels, in our facilities across four cities to reduce over 137 tons of greenhouse gas emissions,” Panlilio said. In support of the government’s digitalization goals, the citation also reinforces PLDT and Smart’s commitment to bridging the digital divide — a mandate of the Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC Digital Infrastructure Group, on which Panlilio sits as a founding member. PLDT and Smart’s efforts recognized by Brand Finance are among the broad range of initiatives undertaken by the group in its continuing drive to elevate the customer experience and become the region’s leading ESG telco. These objectives are two of the five pillars of PLDT and Smart’s multi-year transformation launched in 2022, in response to the rapidly shifting market conditions in the Philippines. The post PLDT, SMART fastest Internet provider, most valuable Filipino brand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How companies are helping DENR ensure an ‘Environment for Life’
On the occasion of the global celebration of World Environment Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources held an “Environment for Life” event, led by DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, that highlighted the department’s two-pronged blueprint for strategic and effective sustainable development and environmental action in the country. The key to these initiatives is to put in place comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society plans that are coupled with finding strategic partners in the form of LGUs and/or the private sector. Marubeni Philippines, a major integrated trading and investment business conglomerate from Japan; Holcim Philippines, a Swiss-based global building materials and aggregates company; the Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.; SM Supermalls of SMIC; San Miguel Corporation; DMCI Mining Corporation; HOPE/Century Pacific Food Inc.; Makilala Mining Company Inc.; and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc. shared the stage with the DENR and presented their respective efforts toward coherent, convergent and synergized environmental action. [caption id="attachment_149039" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOLCIM PHILIPPINES | Holcim Philippines decarbonized its operations and reduced carbon emissions per ton of cement by 7 percent.[/caption] A recurring theme in all the reports from these strategic partners was how their initiatives embodied the DENR mantra regarding natural resources: to protect, rehabilitate, restore and regenerate. And when it came to treating plastic waste, it was about reduce, reuse and recycle. Marubeni highlighted its carbon credit program through reforestation, a joint undertaking of Marubeni, DENR, Dacon Corp. and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The initial site covers 10,000 hectares in Negros Occidental and aims to restore biodiversity, create employment in local communities and establish a carbon credit program. Holcim Philippines decarbonized its operations and reduced carbon emissions per ton of cement by 7 percent. In partnership with DENR, it will deploy a 100-percent solar powered catamaran, the Circular Explorer, operated by One Earth One Ocean, to clean up coastal areas from plastic waste in Manila Bay. There is a new project in Northern Mindanao to support coral and coastal ecosystems via a “marine bio-active concrete.” Prime Infra has a reforestation project, in partnership with DENR, covering a 1,800-hectare area within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. This project integrates water security and watershed protection with forest carbon and biodiversity management, with the MoU serving as a blueprint for the wider implementation of nature-based solutions programs. SM Supermalls embraces sustainability through initiatives on energy conservation, solid waste reduction and water conservation. Its adoption of green and resilient designs in its buildings promotes disaster mitigation and prevention measures, along with solid waste management. Initiatives such as Trash to Cash Recycling, EV charging stations, regular coastal clean-ups, incentives for bicycle riders and the use of recycled water for cooling systems are all part of the SM Supermalls commitment to environmental action. San Miguel Corporation showcased its dredging and river widening work in rehabilitating the Pasig River and its tributaries, which has been effective in reducing floods and overspill in several strategic localities along the river’s course that has historically been notorious for flooding. SMC partners with DENR, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Metro Manila Development Authority and concerned LGUs on these initiatives. DMCI Mining shared its work in helping clean up the recent MT Princess Empress tanker accident and the resulting oil spill and expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to play a critical role in the cleanup of coastal areas in Caluya, Antique. Meanwhile, HOPE Foundation/Century Food Inc., a highly developed CSR sustainable program centered on coconut growing for its Vita Coco beverage, has generated livelihood opportunities for several targeted barangays and communities. It also joined the Plastic Exchange Program, which aims to reduce plastic waste and contribute to the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. The Makilala Mining Company presentation offered a framework for the future of responsible mining, since the planned equity participation for the Balatoc indigenous community that owns the land can provide a regenerative sustainability model for the mining sector. The women in their senior management team also make Makilala a model of inclusion and diversity. Lastly, BEST highlighted its Trash to Cashback program and how it’s centered on a five-step program of Segregate, Exchange, Redeem, Collect and Recycle. The company’s Balik PET Bottle Program is in partnership with Coca-Cola Far East Limited and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners. The event was an effective showcase for how the DENR is developing new ways of working across several fronts to make the protection, preservation and regeneration of the country’s natural resources part of a comprehensive plan for resource development, to ensure that a sustainable future can be safeguarded for all. The post How companies are helping DENR ensure an ‘Environment for Life’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila Day showcases city’s very best
The Manila Day parade and celebration of the capital city’s 452nd founding anniversary on Saturday, 24 June, were a rousing success, according to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna. “I am so pleased with the outcome of the parade,” Lacuna said in a post-event interview. “The weather was perfect, and the participation rate was 100 percent. I would like to thank all of the participants for their hard work and dedication.” The event was held at Plaza Moriones and featured a spectacular presentation of dance, floats, and costumes by government and private entities. “It’s full of fun!” Lacuna said. “I am so proud of our city and our people. We showed the world what Manila is all about today.” The parade was organized by the Manila City government and involved all city departments. It was a four-month undertaking that required the coordination of all city officials, ranging from congressmen and councilors to police, firefighters, Filipino-Chinese business groups, health workers, professionals, hospital workers, and barangays. Each group gave their own numbers, complete with costumes and dance performances. Lacuna thanked all participants for their support and vowed to make next year’s Manila Day even bigger. “I promise that because of your support and love for our city, we will prepare for a bigger celebration next year,” she said. The parade was just one of the many events that took place in Manila on Saturday to celebrate the city’s 452nd founding anniversary. Other events included a beauty pageant, a concert, and a fireworks display. “This is a day to celebrate our city’s rich history and culture,” Lacuna said. “I am so proud to be the mayor of Manila, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our city.” Meanwhile, Malate candidate Gabrielle Lanzter was crowned Miss Manila 2023 during the Coronation Night held in the evening of 23 June at the Metropolitan Theater. A total of 22 women vied for the title of Miss Manila 2023, which showcased their beauty, intelligence, and commitment to making a positive impact in their community. Mayor Lacuna crowned and sashed Lanzter, assisted by Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and tourism department chief Charlie Dungo. Grabbing runnersup honors were Karen Nicole Piccio of Pureza, Sta. Mesa; Francine Tajanlangit, representing Roxas Boulevard; and Anne De Mesa of Sta. Mesa. Angela Okol of Paco was adjudged Miss Manila Tourism. The post Manila Day showcases city’s very best appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘What oral arguments re Taguig-Makati dispute?’
Upscale Bonifacio Global City belongs to Taguig City, the Supreme Court has ruled. SC spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka yesterday said he was not aware of an order supposedly issued by the Supreme Court setting oral arguments in the territorial dispute between the cities of Taguig and Makati. The dispute had already been settled with finality by the SC in favor of Taguig, handing to its control and jurisdiction the 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio military reservation, where the thriving Bonifacio Global City business and commercial district is situated. Some other barangays contested by Makati were also recognized by the court as being under the jurisdiction of Taguig. “I have no information about this,” Hosaka said in a text message to journalists in response to the alleged oral arguments order. Hosaka noted that there was already an entry of judgment in the case which meant the decision was final and executory. He said that if the SC had indeed issued such an order, it would have been published on the website and social media account of the high court. “(The) SC has shut down all efforts of Makati City to revive the land dispute as the resolution ordered to no longer entertain pleadings, letters, motions, or any other communication regarding the case,” Hokasa said. “The ruling also enjoined Makati from exercising jurisdiction over, making improvements on, or treating as part of its territory the area comprising Fort Bonifacio,” he added. Hosaka noted that there was already an entry of judgment in the case which meant the decision was final and executory. The statement was issued by Hosaka following Makati City Mayor Abby Binay’s pronouncement that the Makati City Legal Office had received a document saying that the SC was set to conduct oral arguments on the territorial dispute. “As far as the document that we received, they actually even set it for hearing. That means it’s not yet final. Because in our omnibus motion there was still no action so as far the city is concerned there is still a pending motion,” Binay said. “These are oral arguments because part of our motion is to go before the en banc and have oral arguments. This is a very important issue that would affect 200,000 residents,” she said. The Taguig City government said it had not received a notice or any document about the setting of oral arguments. The post ‘What oral arguments re Taguig-Makati dispute?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC launches ‘Green Awards‘
In an effort to recognize initiatives on disaster resiliency and environment conservation as well as encourage more Quezon City citizens to take part in the city’s climate actions, the Quezon City government launched on 23 May its first “Green Awards.” Mayor Joy Belmonte said the QC Green Awards are meant to recognize and incentivize barangays, the Sangguniang Kabataan, youth-based organizations, and businesses that implement outstanding and inclusive programs on disaster risk reduction and climate action. “The collaboration and cooperation of the community and various stakeholders play a big role in disaster preparedness and addressing the adverse impact of the climate crisis. The city’s resiliency and climate action will not come into fruition without the support of every QCitizen,” she said. The award has three categories — Green Award, Resiliency Award and Green and Resilient Champion. The Green Award recognizes institutions that have made significant contributions to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable practices, while the Resiliency Award honors initiatives that demonstrate resilience, preparedness and response in the face of natural or man-made disasters. The Green and Resilient Champion award, on the other hand, will be given to businesses and barangays that have initiated outstanding practices dealing with the impacts of climate change and disasters. Interested participants need to register at the QC Green Awards microsite (greenawards.quezoncity.gov.ph) and submit all necessary requirements through its official email address, greenawards@quezoncity.gov.ph. Submission of entries is open from 1 June to 15 July 2023. Each entry will undergo intensive assessment and field validation by city departments led by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department, City Administrator’s Office, QC Youth Development Office, Business Permits and Licensing Department, and Barangay and Community Relations Department. Finalists will have to present their programs to the Green Awards pool of judges. A total of 16 exemplary organizations and institutions will be awarded in October. They will receive a trophy and a cash grant that they can use for current and upcoming climate action and disaster risk reduction and management projects. Training sessions will also be conducted for target participants to familiarize them with the award’s mechanics and assessment process. “With the QC Green Awards, we hope to engage more QCitizens in our efforts toward our vision of establishing a liveable, green, sustainable, climate and disaster-resilient future for all,” the mayor added. QC is the lone Philippine City member of the C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive. The complete mechanics and information on the QC Green Awards can be accessed at greenawards.quezoncity.gov.ph. The post QC launches ‘Green Awards‘ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pasay eases job-matching
The local government of Pasay City on Wednesday is eyeing for more job opportunities for Pasayenos through the relaunch of the “Barangay Labor Desk” which seeks to ease up the process of job matching and linking between jobseekers and establishments. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano explained that they aim to create a database of prevailing skill sets of residents per barangay to provide a shorter and more direct job application process. In this case, between the jobseekers and applicants are the said barangay-level labor desks where 201 barangays will gather information about the skills and educational backgrounds of residents, which will then be processed by the Public Employment Service Office for job matching. Initially conceived prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rubiano said that the initiative will be particularly beneficial to the business and labor force that have been battered hard during pandemic, citing a 4.2 percent unemployment rate based on their community-based monitoring system. “Now that our economy has been gradually recovering from the pandemic, we have relaunched this program so that we could have a database of the specific skill sets of our kababayans per barangay, so that when we coordinate with establishments and companies, we could be able to recommend citizens of Pasay City as (prospect hires),” said the lady mayor. Rubiano also said that skills development will be provided to residents with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and that businesses will be provided with starter kits to jump start their respective businesses. Pasay City Lone District Representative Antonino Calixto was also present during the launch to express his support in aiding jobs creation in the city. During an interview, Calixto said that he’s open to legislative proposals for a minimum wage hike which is currently pending before the Congress. “In my opinion, this needs to be carefully studied so that all of our lawmakers will be united in the minimum wage hike. If the wages need to be added, we should add more. We should also look into our budget,” Calixto said. After the relaunching, the Pasay LGU also distributed nearly P19,000 worth of financial assistance were given to more than 6,000 barangay officials in the city. The post Pasay eases job-matching appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reactivation of Operation Kahusay hailed
A group of businessmen in Cagayan de Oro city welcomed the reactivation of the Operation Kahusay ug Kalinaw a one-stop center in responding to crime, natural and man-made calamities in the city. Rey Talinio President of the Oro chamber said in a radio interview the reactivation of OKK is a welcome development and will help attract more investors in the city. The OKK was a brainchild of the late former Mayor Pablo Magtajas 30 years ago where a police precinct was set up at the Divisoria park where resitdents turned for assistance in reporting crime and Emergencies.. At that time business groups in the divisoria area provided material support for policemen manning the precinct. Talinio howerever proposed that the OKK be replicated at the barangay level particularly in hinterlands barangays for immediate response during man-made and natural calamities. Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy has approved the construction of the new OKK Resilience center which is expected to be completed in June this year. The new OKK center will house not only a police precinct but also include offices of the City Social Welfare Development Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department, the Roads, and Traffic Administration and the Bureau of Fire Protection. The new OKK will cover 200 square meters of area. The building’s height is subject to restrictions by the National Historical Commission, one of which is that the building shouldn’t be higher than the existing monuments. The site will also have a flag pole set up in time for the 12 June observance of Philippine Independence. The post Reactivation of Operation Kahusay hailed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Livelihood assured for slick victims
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that the government is taking steps to move beyond the oil spill cleanup operation and help the victims find new livelihood opportunities as they work to contain the remaining oil spill in Mindoro. During a media briefing, the Chief Executive mentioned that the cleanup operation is now focusing on the oil that has reached the beaches and shorelines and that this has become a temporary “cash-for-work” initiative. Once the oil spill is under control and all possible sources of oil leaks have been closed, Marcos said the government would address the livelihood issues of the affected communities. “It may take some time to solve the oil spill. That’s why we are planning for livelihood options for the people. We need to provide them with options for income,” Marcos said. “But I told them that the livelihood program is not just for the oil spill. Even if the oil spill is resolved, the livelihood program should continue so that residents can try other livelihoods to supplement their income,” he added. He acknowledged that many barangays were affected by the oil spill and recognized that the spill significantly impacted the livelihood of people living in those areas. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, he said, are leading the efforts to provide assistance and livelihood support, including funding and training, to small business owners affected by the oil spill. He added that the Department of Labor and Employment, in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, has several plans for the province to aid in its recovery efforts. Marcos vowed to resolve the issues that emerged during the crisis, including access to clean water and livelihood opportunities for the affected communities. He emphasized that his administration would take advantage of the assistance being provided to develop the province’s infrastructure, businesses and industries. “The immediate danger, the immediate situation has already been attended to. Now is the time and what you’re saying is right, let’s take advantage of it. Let’s install a new water system and create new livelihood opportunities,” Marcos said. With the assistance of foreign partners from Japan, the United States, South Korea, and international disaster agencies and organizations, the government has improved its response to the oil spill after more than a month of containment and rehabilitation efforts. The Department of Environment and Natural earlier said 12 of the 14 municipalities in Oriental Mindoro have been affected by the oil spill caused by MT Princess Empress that sank off Balingawan Point, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on 28 February carrying 900,000 liters of fuel oil. The oil slick has reportedly reached the towns and cities of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Calapan, Gloria, Magsaysay, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan and Pola. Other affected areas are Agutaya and Taytay towns in Palawan Caluya town in Antique, and Batangas City and Tingloy town in Batangas. The post Livelihood assured for slick victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anvil,& nbsp;Sen. Kiko Foundation bring smiles& nbsp;to Manila, Quezon City families
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and the young Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs behind Anvil Business Club donated 2,000 bags of rice to urban poor families of barangays Tandang Sora, Kamuning, Santol, Kaunlaran, Sto. Niño and Sacred Heart of Quezon City and to Tondo district, Manila in cooperation with Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mayor Isko Moreno. .....»»